There are many reasons cities should curb the suburban "sprawl" that has been common in the U.S. since the post World War II boom, but new research leaves no question; sprawl must go if a city is to financially excel. According to a study co-authored by the Center for Real Estate and Urban Analysis at George Washington University School of Business and LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors, the more dense and walkable a City is, the more money it makes.

Makes sense. Denser development puts more money-making industry in a smaller footprint, meaning less cost for infrastructure construction and maintenance. But density itself doesn't form the draw for those who earn bigger wages and create products and jobs that boost the local economy. A dense city must operate comfortably for people. That means it has to be more walkable as well.